Maintenance Information Mercury Sable I

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 3

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Severe Service

1. Short Trips (Under 10 Miles) In Freezing Temperatures
2. Towing Or Heavily Loaded
3. Severe Dust Conditions
4. Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
5. Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)

Normal Service

1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
2. No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
3. Oil Contamination
4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Replace camshaft timing belt on 1990-93 3.0L (SHO) & 3.2L (SHO) engines every 60,000 miles. Replace Camshaft timing belt on 1994 3.0L (SHO) & 3.2L (SHO) engines every 100,000 miles.

FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES INFORMATION

COOLING SYSTEM, HOSES & CLAMPS

Replace engine coolant every 36 months or 30,000 miles. Check coolant strength, condition of hoses and clamps annually regardless of mileage or driving conditions. Replace hoses and clamps as necessary.

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SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

TIRE INFLATION

Inflation pressure can be found on decal attached to front face of right-hand rear door pillar.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

Tighten all wheel lug nuts to 85-105 ft. lbs. (115-142 N.m). If wheels are equipped with locking type lug nuts, ALWAYS position "Keyed" nut opposite valve stem.

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG SYSTEM)

When performing maintenance on air bag equipped vehicles always observe proper safety precautions.

AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (1990-95 MODELS ONLY)

On models with anti-lock brake systems, always observe following cautions

1. DO NOT attempt to bleed or add hydraulic fluid to system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article listed below.
2. 1990-93 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
3. 1994 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
4. Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in ABS-equipped vehicles.
5. DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical on all 4 tires.

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

BATTERY WARNING

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

FUEL PUMP SHUTOFF SWITCH

This switch stops the flow of fuel to the engine after a collision. The impact does not have to be great (minor parking lot bumping or severe road impacts) for the switch to be triggered. Once the shutoff switch is triggered, it must be reset by hand before the car can be started. To reset switch, press the reset button located on the left side of luggage compartment under the carpet and spare tire cover.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

HALOGEN BULBS

Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.

RADIATOR CAP

RADIATOR FAN

WARRANTY INFORMATION

BASIC NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY

All parts of the vehicle, except tires, are covered against defects in factory-supplied materials and workmanship for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

POWERTRAIN WARRANTY

Note. Powertrain Warranty varies in coverage length (either 4 years/50,000 miles or 6 years/60,000 miles) depending on model year.

Under this warranty, certain parts of the engine, transmission, axle and driveline are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship. This coverage begins after 12 months or 12,000 miles. See copy of warranty for specific components covered and length of coverage.

BUMPER-TO-BUMPER COVERAGE

All 1992-93 vehicles have complete warranty coverage against defects in materials and workmanship for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. There is no deductible with this warranty. Items not covered include tires and parts that are subject to normal wear and tear, such as windshield wiper blades, brake linings, brake pads, clutch linings and scheduled maintenance items. There is no extended powertrain coverage included in this warranty.

BATTERY COVERAGE

Begins at warranty start date and lasts up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. For the first 12 months in service (less than 36,000 miles), battery will be replaced at no charge. After that, battery will be replaced on a customer-participation basis: For the 13th-24th month in service, Ford will pay 50%; for the 25th-36th month, Ford will pay 25%. Labor is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM COVERAGE

Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers safety restraint problems not related to comfort or appearance. Coverage for model years earlier than 1990 is 3 years with unlimited miles.

CORROSION COVERAGE

Begins at warranty start date and lasts for 6 years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. 1992-93 models are covered for 6 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Covers any holes in body sheet metal caused by corrosion.

EMISSIONS DEFECT & PERFORMANCE WARRANTIES (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Defect Warranty ensures that vehicle meets applicable EPA regulations and that vehicle's emission control system is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

The Performance Warranty covers all costs of repairing or adjusting any components or parts as needed for the vehicle to pass a Federally required state or local emissions test.

Other emission control parts related to these components are covered by the Performance Warranty, where applicable. If another part fails due to the failure of one of these components, both parts are covered. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered. Performance Warranty coverage is limited to fewer components after 2 years or 24,000 miles.

EMISSIONS PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If vehicle fails a Smog Check inspection, all necessary repairs and adjustments will be made by manufacturer to ensure that vehicle passes the inspection. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSIONS DEFECT WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

If any emission-related part on the vehicle is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer. Warranty begins at warranty start date and lasts for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Some emission-related parts are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles whichever occurs first, and will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer if found to be defective in material or workmanship. See customer's copy of warranty information for specific items covered.

INTERIOR FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION

Fuse panel is located to left of steering column under instrument panel. To expose fuse panel, pull release bar up with right hand and pull panel down with left hand.

Scheme 11

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

1. 1 - 15 Amp Brakelights & Turn Signals, Turn Signal Indicator Lights, High-Mounted Brakelight (1992-95), Speed Control (1992)
2. 2 - 8.25 Amp (Circuit Breaker) Windshield Wiper & Washer Pump, Interval Wiper, Windshield Washer Motor
3. 3 - (Blank)
4. 4 - 20 Amp (1993-95) 15 Amp (1986-92) Marker & Taillights, Headlights On Warning Buzzer/Chime, Front Laser Light (Sable), Front Parking Lights (1992-95)
5. 5 - 15 Amp Electronic Cluster, Heated Rear Window Switch, Electronic Flasher, Back-Up Lights, Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S), Illuminated/Keyless Entry Module, Electronic Climate Control (1992), Brake Interlock Solenoid (1993-95), Eletronic Door Lock Control Processor (1994-95)
6. 6 - 15 Amp Rear Window Wiper & Washer Motors (Wagons), Diagnostic Warning Module (1986-91), Warning Chime & Headlight Switch Illumination (Sable), Clock/Radio/EATC Control Illumination, Power Window Relay, Speed Control Amplifier (1993)
7. 7 - 15 Amp Foglights (Taurus & SHO), Air Bag Module (1992-95)
8. 8 - 15 Amp Clock, Radio Memory, Glove Box & Luggage Compartment Light, Instrument Panel Courtesy Lights, Interior Lights & Illuminated/Keyless Entry Module, Power Mirrors (1991-93), Key-In Ignition Chime (1992), Engine Compartment Lights (1992), Electronic Door Lock Control Processor (1994-95)
9. 9 - 30 Amp Blower Motor, Blower Speed Controller (EATC) (1986-91)
10. 10 - 20 Amp Flash-To-Pass System (1986-91), High Beam Headlights & Indicator Light (1992-93)
11. 11 - 20 Amp Radio & Premium Sound Amplifier, Power Antenna Motor, Redundant Radio Switch (1993)
12. 12 - 20 Amp (Circuit Breaker) Cigarette Lighters, Horns & Horn Relay
13. 13 - 5 Amp Cluster Illumination, Radio Display, Ash Tray Illumination, EATC Control Display, Heated Rear Window, Switch Illumination, Heated Windshield, Switch Illumination (1986-91), Rear Wiper Switch Illumination, Headlight Switch Illumination, Clock Display & PRNDL Illumination
14. 14 - (Blank 1993-95), 20 Amp (Circuit Breaker) 1986-92 Power Windows, Power Seats & Door Locks
15. 15 - 10 Amp License Plate Lights, Side Marker & Taillights, Any Other Optional Lights (1992)
16. 16 - 5 Amp Electronic Cluster, EATC Control Switch
17. 17 - 15 Amp EATC Compressor Clutch, Blend Door Actuator, A/C Compressor Clutch
18. 18 - 10 Amp Autolight Module, Cluster Warning Lights, Low Oil Level Relay, Buzzer/Chime

UNDERHOOD FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION - 1992-93

The "high-Current Fuse panel is located in the engine compartment on the left-hand fender apron.

Scheme 12

1. 1 - 10 Amp Ignition Coil
2. 2 - 10 Amp Accessory Feed
3. 3 - 40 Amp Power Door Locks, Power Windows
4. 4 - 40 Amp Anti-Lock Brake Relay
5. 5 - 40 Amp Rear Defroster
6. 6 - 30 Amp Anti-lock Brake Control Module
7. 7 - 60 Amp Headlights
8. 8 - 40 Amp Fuse Panel
9. 9 - 60 Amp Engine Cooling Fan
10. 10 - 30 Amp Electronic Engine Control (1993), Powertrain Control Module (1994), Fuel Pump Relay (1994)
11. 11 - 60 Amp Ignition Switch, Blower Motor
12. 12 - 60 Amp Ignition Switch, Blower Motor

UNDERHOOD FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION - 1994-95

The "High-Current Fuse panel is located in the engine compartment on the left-hand fender apron.

Note. (Scheme 12)

Fuse Identification

1. A - 60 Amp Ignition Switch & Blower Motor
2. B - 60 Amp Ignition Switch & Blower Motor
3. C - 30 Amp Electronic Engine Control
4. D - 60 Amp Engine Cooling Fan
5. E - 40 Amp Fuse Panel
6. F - 60 Amp Headlamps
7. G - 30 Amp Anti-Lock Module
8. H - 40 Amp Rear Defroster
9. I - 40 Amp Anti-Lock Motor
10. J - 40 Amp Power Locks & Power Windows
11. M1 - 10 Amp (Conventional) Ignition Coil
12. M2 - 10 Amp (Conventional) Accessory Feed

Fuse Links Identification - 1994-95

Note. Fuse links should be repaired ONLY by a Ford or Mercury Dealer.

1. Generator Output - 12 Gauge
2. Generator Voltage Sensing Circuit - 18 Guage

Both fuse links are located near the starter motor relay.